Vernal Pond 1 The Pond People: Lauren Bergh Michelle Hofmann Kristen Swanberg Rosalie Faubon Amanda Hartman Vernal Pools: Not Just a Mud Puddle!

Participants will learn that the life cycles of a vernal pool includes the pool itself and the unique animals and plants that exist there.

Performance Objectives Participants will: –Be able to define a vernal pool and state its importance –Name two animals who depend on vernal pools –Describe the life cycle of one obligate (dependent) animal

Program Design Science Content: -Life cycles Site-Specific Content: -Vernal pools -Vernal pool shrimp -Vernal pool amphibian Science Tools: -Field guide (audio/visual) -Maps - Models -Magnification - Dip nets -Live Animals - Cameras -Thermometer Documentation: -Life cycle diagrams -Field journal -ejournal (optional)

Standard Lesson Plan Assumptions: –High school education Accommodations / Modifications: –Age-related limitations (a) –Blind/low vision (b) –Cognitive (c)

Universal Instructional Design Power point presentation –High-contrast –White space –Six-by-six –Line-by-line (fly in) Assisted listening devices Name badges Clip boards with pencils attached Room safety

Lesson Introduction Introduction (power point) –Program logistics (a, b, c) Program Schedule Room safety

Lesson Plan (1) What is a vernal pool? –Definition: words and pictures (a, b, c) Unique, rare, lacks inlet/outlet Cycles of a vernal pool (seasonal photos) –Activity: Tactile maps (a, b, c) –Holding water: words/pictures (a, b, c) –Activity: Sediment investigation (a, b, c)

Lesson Plan (2) Vernal Pool Animal: Frog –Identification: words and pictures ( a, b, c) –Activity: adult frog model (a, b, c) –Life cycle: words and pictures –Activity: life cycle models (a, b, c) 5 phases in tactile models –Activity: life cycle handout Photo/label stickers

Lesson Plan (3) Vernal Pool Animal: Fairy Shrimp –Identification: words and pictures (a, b, c) –Activity: adult shrimp model (a, b, c) –Life cycle: words and pictures –Activity: life cycle models (a, b, c) 3 phases in tactile models –Activity: life cycle handout Photo/label stickers

Lesson Plan: Field Experience Visit a vernal pool! Water safety Field guide: poster/communication board and audio –Field journal (a, b, c) Pictures/labels on clip board Date/season, time of day, weather, temp. (air/water) –Activity: Dip net (a, b, c) Examine catch with field magnification tool Check-list in Field Journal –Activity: Photograph Vernal Pool Photo of pool, dip net, frog

Lesson Plan: Inclement Weather Activity: Animals in classroom aquariums –Lab (Field) journal (a, b, c) Pictures/labels on clip board Date/season, time of day, weather, temp. (air/water) –Activity: Photograph Vernal Pool Animals Ken-A-Vision scope Photo of frog, shrimp (or equivalent) – Activity: Touch animals

Wrap-Up “Not just a mud puddle!” –Review objectives: Be able to define a vernal pool and state its importance Name two animals who depend on vernal pools Describe the life cycle of one obligate (dependent) animal

Accommodations/Modifications Cognitive –Printed slides –Modified field guide –Models instead of live animals –One life cycle –“stand here” footprints

Accommodations/Modifications Blind/Low Vision –Audio calls (for frog ID) –Foam tactile map –Magnification devices –“Talking” tools –Sediment activity –Models –Large print (power point and field guide/journal)

Accommodations/Modifications Age Related Limitations –Assistive listening devices –Modified dip net –Combination of any of those previously mentioned as needed

If we did more… Enhanced program –Citizen science Seasonal program /semi-annual –Ecosystem approach GPS mapping of vernal pool Create a new vernal pool Examine more species of animals, include plants

FUNdamental Life Cycle of a Frog –Focus on life cycle –Tactile, oversized models of each life cycle stage –Live tadpoles/frogs in lab –Activity: Participants fill in the life cycle using stickers and/or stamps